Currently in its sixth generation, the Legacy is Subaru’s mid-size sedan. Having made its debut in 2014, the time is high for Subaru to operate a few changes to its flagship model.
Slated to be presented in the flesh at the 2017 edition of the Chicago Auto Show, the 2018 Subaru Legacy boasts many revisions over the 2017 model year. The roomiest sedan in its segment features a slightly revised front fascia, as well as a redesigned rear. It all makes for a sportier look, albeit the continuously variable trasmission dilutes the Legacy's sporting ambitions.
The headlights integrate what Subaru calls “Konoji” daytime running lights. As an optional extra, the Legacy can also be fitted with Steering Responsive Headlight technology, which is another way of saying the light is turned into the corner as the driver steers. It’s not exactly a wowzer for a 2018 model year vehicle in this segment, but it’s welcome nevertheless.
As far as driving dynamics are concerned, Subaru retuned the suspension. The dampers are set up to reduce initial impact of bumps and to reduce body roll during cornering. The steering system is another area where the engineers worked their magic. The Lineartronic CVT, meanwhile, has been upgraded with a quieter ultra-shot-pitch chain. Engine timing adjustments further help with improving NVH levels.
As standard, the 2018 Subaru Legacy gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring functions for the Starlink infotainment system. Starlink now measures 6.5 inches in diagonal compared to the previous unit’s 6.2 inches. The optional 8.0-inch system promises a smartphone-like user experience thanks to a faster CPU, among other goodies.
Unsurprisingly for Subaru fans, the engine lineup remains unchanged from the previous model year. The Legacy 2.5i churns out 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter boxer, whereas the available 3.6-liter six-cylinder mill ups the ante to 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft.
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is standard for both engines, packing an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch. For ultimate capability, the system can transfer up to 100 percent of the torque to the wheels with the best grip.
The headlights integrate what Subaru calls “Konoji” daytime running lights. As an optional extra, the Legacy can also be fitted with Steering Responsive Headlight technology, which is another way of saying the light is turned into the corner as the driver steers. It’s not exactly a wowzer for a 2018 model year vehicle in this segment, but it’s welcome nevertheless.
As far as driving dynamics are concerned, Subaru retuned the suspension. The dampers are set up to reduce initial impact of bumps and to reduce body roll during cornering. The steering system is another area where the engineers worked their magic. The Lineartronic CVT, meanwhile, has been upgraded with a quieter ultra-shot-pitch chain. Engine timing adjustments further help with improving NVH levels.
As standard, the 2018 Subaru Legacy gets Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone mirroring functions for the Starlink infotainment system. Starlink now measures 6.5 inches in diagonal compared to the previous unit’s 6.2 inches. The optional 8.0-inch system promises a smartphone-like user experience thanks to a faster CPU, among other goodies.
Unsurprisingly for Subaru fans, the engine lineup remains unchanged from the previous model year. The Legacy 2.5i churns out 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque from a 2.5-liter boxer, whereas the available 3.6-liter six-cylinder mill ups the ante to 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft.
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive is standard for both engines, packing an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch. For ultimate capability, the system can transfer up to 100 percent of the torque to the wheels with the best grip.